Eagle River Nature Center Hike

Carrie, Elsa, and I took a trip to the north fork of the Eagle River and then the Eagle River Nature Center (http://www.ernc.org/). We did the three mile Albert Loop at the nature center, which travels parallel to the river for a stretch. Elsa took advantage of that close proximity to the river to cool down--the water was cold enough to make feet sting. She was good and warm because it was in the upper 70's, low 80's, which is mind numbingly hot for her, having lived in Alaska for two years now. All in all, it was a good first hike for the summer.

It also happened to be a blue sky day, which we have been having on a semi-regular basis lately. The photos Carrie took will provide a clearer picture--no pun intended--of our journey.

Eagle River--north fork.

Elsa cooling off and Carrie's pant legs rolled up so that she could ford the river in multiple places.

One of the surrounding trails at the north fork stop--It's really hard to get good pictures of Els--here she looks as if we've just offered her a treat.

Some brave kids "swimming" in the north fork of Eagle River. They had a wooden palette they were using to float down the river.

A shot from the back of the Eagle River Nature Center

We have our fair share of bogs, just like this one, which are incubators for huge mosquitoes. Luckily, we weren't bothered by them, or they've not reached critical mass just yet. This photo is looking out of the Eagle River Valley--as the mountains on each side would denote--toward Anchorage.

Eagle River proper, site of Elsa's belly flop

Elsa in ready, set, fetch mode. If you look closely you can see all the silt in the water.

Tail end of the hike, looking the opposite direction of the previous valley photo. With low humidity and clear skies, the mountains and surrounding features are striking. For those of you reading this from Southern Indiana, this reminds me subtly of Hovey Lake.

Crossing a final bridge before completing the loop to the nature center--we ran into some un-dog-friendly people, so Elsa got the leash.

Bears are a constant at the nature center, especially during the salmon run. Although the salmon are not running yet, it seems there's still a curious black bear in the area.

Carrie and Elsa at rest after the hike. There is a nice viewing deck where this was taken, and if one is so inclined, ice cream can be purchased at the ERNC shop--one of our hiking companions made sure not to miss out on the ice cream.